Critics' review: Rangrezz, a damp squib

By Hindustan Times

Director: Priyadarshan
Cast: Jackky Bhagnani, Priya Anand, Rajpal Yadav , Amitosh Nagpal, Vijay Verma
Plot: Remake of the Tamil film Naadodigal [2009], which was remade in various Indian languages subsequently, Rangrezz is essentially a tale of friendship, with a love story integrated in the plotline. The film narrates the story of three friends who attempt to unite another friend with his lady-love. In the process, each of them loses something precious. Consequently, the trio gets a rude shock when they realize that the hardships they encountered to unite the lovers has proved meaningless, as the lovers decide to go separate ways owing to differences.

Taran Adarsh, Bollywood Hunagama
Rating: **
Rangrezz narrates the story of three friends who attempt to unite another friend with his lady-love. In the process, each of them loses something precious. Consequently, the trio gets a rude shock when they realize that the hardships they encountered to unite the lovers has proved meaningless, as the lovers decide to go separate ways owing to differences.

A simplistic plot, humble setting and straight-forward storytelling… Rangrezz arrives without the usual frills and trappings of a masala movie. The story is not path-breaking, but what works -- in the first hour at least -- is the realistic milieu and the age-old philosophy that enduring friendship can overcome all odds, with friends standing by each other through thick and thin. Priyadarshan and writer Mushtaq Shiekh incorporate a number of sequences that stay with you -- some sweet, some true-to-life, some funny. The entire kidnap drama prior to the intermission is simply outstanding and raises [monumental] expectations from the second hour.

Like all Priyadarshan movies, Rangrezz has been filmed very well, although I wish to add, the director's newer lot of movies, for some reason, appear like a diluted version of his earlier accomplished works. There's no denying that Priyadarshan is an incredible storyteller and a major part of the first hour has his by-now-famous stamp, but how one wishes the second hour was as captivating. The soundtrack compliments the narrative well. 'Govinda Aale Re' and 'Shambho Shiv Shambho' are energetic, while 'Gangnam Style' [placed towards the end credits] is already popular with one and all. Santosh Sivan's cinematography is striking. The color tones catch your attention instantaneously. The dialogue [Manisha Korde], especially those delivered by Rajpal Yadav, are wonderful.

Verdict: On the whole, Rangrezz has an impressive first half, but loses focus in the post-interval portions. One definitely expected more!

Tushar Joshi, DNA
Rating: *1/2
Don’t be fooled by this simplistic story. The screenplay springs up a major surprise in the second half when every thing you watched and believed in is rubbished off.In fact the climax and the events leading to it are full of WTF moments which will numb your senses beyond belief. Add to it a bunch of supporting actors (a hamming politician whose loudUP dialect matches her garish lipstick, Rajpal Yadav doing what he’s done in every Priyadarshan film) dragging down the pace making the proceedings unbearable.

While the motive might be sincere, the execution lacks the same sentiment. There are too many parallel plots, unnecessary diversions, songs that pop up like burnt toasts, and dialogues that read out of a rejected TV soaps pilot episode.Among the cast, Vijay Verma has the right spunk and effervescence. Amitosh Nagpal is earnest in his approach but is marred by a half baked character. Jackky Bhagnani seems at ease playing Rishi.

Gangnam Style comes right at the end, so sit through the credit roll if watching the desification of Psy’s infectious hit gets those hips shaking!

Verdict: Priyadarshan loses track mid way and instead of exploring new ground often falls back on his tried and tested formula which seems outdated

Mohar Basu, Koimoi
Rating: **
The script scores for it’s wonderfully thought climax. I was especially impressed with the writer’s creative bent to conceive a thought provoking and unusual take on otherwise rather delved into concept of love and relationships. There is a good blend of intelligence and drama. It is the film’s melodrama that makes it a tad bit too unbearable. Selflessly getting maimed and ending up handicapped for people that they don’t know at all is something you wouldn’t want to buy. Whilst the happy ending element has been taken too seriously, not to mention that cliché is reemphasized stronger in the film. Besides that for the climax alone, the film is worth it. Picking up pace in the second half, the film does get much better towards the end.

Jackky Bhagnani has improved manifolds since his last on screen venture

The film’s dramatic hilt is entirely woven by him straw by straw and despite bordering on preaching, it safely remains in the domain of dramatic. The screenplay could have been penned down better and does not do enough justice to the film’s script.

Verdict: Rangrezz does its best to enthuse a fresh perspective on the clichéd tale of love, which is commendable. However, the movie fails for its lusterless screenplay and dull stars that leave the audiences famished despite an intriguing plot.

Madhureeta Mukherjee, TOI
Rating: **1/2
'Rangrezz', Priyadarshan's remake of a Tamil film, has a story without a convincing purpose, point or plan. There are ample well-shot scenes ( Santosh Sivan), good performances (strong supporting cast) and sweet moments; though the film shows little bit of everything and doesn't leave you with much. There's too much of goodness, topped with diatribes and dialoguebaazi on dil, dosti love, lust, and shaadi. The second half goes awry, the story loses steam and characters lose colour.

Jackky performs earnestly, showing far more promise and confidence since his previous films. The rowdiest of them all, Pakkya, is a surprise and his character stands out. Priya Anand is likeable and bubbly in her bit role.Rajpal Yadav does his usual madcap comedy.

Verdict: The boy buddies put in their best, but this film could have done with a dash more ofcolour.

Ankur Pathak, Rediff
Ratings:***1/2
Rangrezz (remake of Tamil hit Naadodigal) is a powerful film about three seemingly aimless youngsters living in the chawls of Mumbai [ Images ], who are blinded by the idea of friendship, and see nothing wrong in risking their lives in the name of friendship. Rangrezz is a powerful social drama that brims with the urgency of the young and the audacious. Its ideology may be deeply flawed but perhaps that’s the point the film is trying to make: being clueless; and often misguided while being young is probably the right way towards self-discovery.